The Issue of Kratom Legality

The Issue of Kratom Legality

Kratom has earned growing popularity in that it can serve as a natural pain-reliever, promote relaxation and halt anxieties and even stimulate energy and lead to positive moods or feelings. As an herbal tea, it is consumed by most tea drinkers who believe that natural and organic products are better than synthetic ones. However, it is a known fact that kratom’s primary chemical components are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine which as alkaloids that attach to the opioid receptors of the brain, thereby making it opioid-like substances. The issue of kratom legality is conflicting at best since it is generally considered legal in the United States on a federal level, but various states have enacted policies and ordinances that make kratom illegal within their state. Some states have classified the chemical components of kratom as Schedule 1 substances like opioids and their derivatives which makes its production, selling, and consumption illegal. Other states have implemented measures to limit the production and sale of kratom in their area but for the most part, 41 states in the United States deem kratom as a legal substance. Those who advocate and lobby for kratom production and use believe that there are health benefits that can be had from kratom while the Drug Enforcement Agency has categorized it as a substance under concern, which means that it can potentially be abused and can lead to addiction. The thing is, even the medical and scientific community are at odds in terms of how to classify kratom and its potential applications, but they do agree that more research is needed into the chemical compounds present in kratom.

Where Is Kratom Legal in the United States?

Currently, there are about 41 states in the United States wherein kratom is legal to produce, sell and use. If you use kratom regularly, then you need to steer clear of the 9 states that have banned kratom and consider it illegal. Therefore, the kratom legality controversy would mean that If you bring in kratom into these states, you will be charged with possession of a controlled substance, and depending on the weight of the kratom you are carrying, the intent to sell controlled substances may also be included in your charges. Kratom is illegal in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. So, if you plan to visit any of the said states, make sure to leave your stash of kratom powder or capsule at home so you will not get into trouble. Moreover, kratom is not only banned in the said states but any activity related to kratom is also considered illegal. Therefore, you cannot plant or grow kratom in these states, you cannot also ship or send kratom to a friend in the said states. There have been strong calls to classify kratom as an opioid-like substance and therefore include it in the schedule 1 list and finally make it illegal in the whole country. The debate has long been ongoing, but there is still no conclusive or definitive decision regarding this. As long as you steer clear of the mentioned states, you can still safely and legally use kratom.

What Are the Implications for the Consumers of Kratom?

If you do not live in any of the 9 states where kratom is either banned or considered illegal, then you can enjoy your cup of kratom tea every day. The kratom legality issue has eluded the authorities for many years, many are in favor of declaring it as a schedule 1 substance so that it can be controlled, and some are concerned that it may only be another substance that will be sold in the black market, while some believe that kratom can be effective in treating opioid addiction. If kratom is finally categorized as belonging to schedule 1 substances, then it will be illegal nationwide, and the production, sales, and use of kratom is a federal offense. This would mean that you can no longer enjoy the medicinal effects of kratom or have that cup of tea to perk you up in the morning, as this would constitute illegal consumption of a controlled substance, punishable by law. Hence, it would also bring about the end of businesses that depend on kratom, suppliers, manufacturers, resellers, and distribution centers would all disappear. Although it definitely will find its way into the dark web or the black market where quality and prices are not regulated. But until it is not declared as a schedule 1 substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency, then you can still safely and legally enjoy the benefits of kratom tea, just make sure that you are not in any of the states wherein it is considered illegal. If kratom tea is no longer a legal substance, then it might become very expensive and difficult to find and you can get into very serious trouble if you continue to use it openly.

Things to Remember About the Legality of Kratom

At present, kratom is still legal in the United States, save for the states that have instituted measures to control the production, sale, and consumption of kratom or where it is altogether banned. If you are thinking about joining the bandwagon of kratom tea enthusiasts then now is the time since you can still freely buy and ingest it. But you do need to be informed and aware of any changes at the federal and state level on their approach toward kratom. Some people are drawn to kratom because of its notoriety and it is even more accessible than marijuana and yet it is more potent and has enjoyable effects and none of the side effects that marijuana have. Some people also argue that it is not addictive and it can in fact be useful since it can promote relaxation and elevate moods and is a natural pain-killer that can put medicines at a disadvantage. The ability of kratom to provide relief from pain directly competes with other expensive pain medications and those in the pharmaceuticals business are the first ones to oppose the legality of kratom.